Proposes examining word origins as a teaching strategy for helping middle school students speak the language of mathematics as well as promote students' general vocabulary development. Includes roots, meanings, related words, and notes for middle school mathematics vocabulary. (KHR)

Investigates what the role of arguments from physics within mathematical proof is, and how this role should be reflected in the classroom. Presents examples showing the fruitfulness of center of gravity arguments in terms of geometrical configuration and the laws of the lever. Discusses educational advantages of the use of arguments from physics…

Presents an interview with Thomas McGovern, professor and cofounder of the interdisciplinary Department of Integrative Studies at Arizona State University West (Phoenix, Arizona). Focuses on McGovern's interest in curricular reform, his view related to any benefits for psychology from interacting with other disciplines, and the composition of…

Humanities-oriented instruction can form the basis for or become an enriching part of social studies classes. Describes interdisciplinary humanities courses at a Virginia school. Provides six suggestions for principals who want to develop or expand the role of the humanities in social studies courses. (MLF)

This theoretical discussion of what information science can contribute to the health professions addresses questions of definition and describes application and knowledge models for the emerging profession of informatics. A review of existing programs includes curriculum models and provides details on informatics programs emphasizing information…

To enhance interdisciplinary collaboration between medicine and nursing and to respond to societal health care needs, the educational systems that socialize young health professionals into their respective roles must be examined and health care professional education must be reformed. (Author/JOW)

Examines nine case studies involving science, mathematics, and cross-disciplinary curriculum reform. Common dilemmas included content coverage/depth of understanding, parental resistance, and insufficient time. Successful curriculum reformers relied on national and state guidelines, teacher collaboration, and local teacher leaders. Reformers must…

Advocates infusion (i.e., introducing new concepts across a traditional curriculum) to teach sexuality in religion classes. Stresses finding areas of correlation and planning lessons with a specific aim in mind. Identifies basic concepts of sexuality that relate to the religion curriculum and benefits/drawbacks of infusion. (BCY)

"Separate-subject" approach to knowledge and skills has little support in curriculum research; reflects specialized, Eurocentric view of knowledge organization; and contradicts real-life information usage. Subject-wheel approach is one way to pursue connections. Integrative curriculum is more challenging, because it must be planned by…

Eugene (Oregon) Public Schools want to replace the traditional content-driven curriculum with a general concepts-based curriculum stressing the relationships among ideas. To help district educators understand the new model, a coin metaphor describing the two interlocking areas of curriculum (learning core conceptual knowledge and strategic…

Recognizing that traditional science disciplines are no longer isolated from each other or from other intellectual fields, 16 Los Angeles high school teachers cooperated to restructure their science courses. To replace the "layer-cake" curriculum, the Scope, Sequence, and Coordination Project promotes teaching all secondary students a…

Describes how the University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee is restructuring its core curriculum in its Milwaukee Idea effort to build bridges between the university and the community. Discusses the interdisciplinarity of the effort; development of an alternative general education curriculum focused on "cultures and communities"; curriculum…

Examines options for teaching preservice teachers how to integrate French language instruction into the curriculum, providing implementation strategies for an integrated day based on pioneers; a parallel disciplines design using an environmental theme; an interdisciplinary design in the context of a French immersion weekend; and a…

Describes an interdisciplinary course which investigates ways in which chemical and mathematical concepts inform artistic techniques and art history trends. Outlines the course units and provides examples of their accompanying assignments. (MM)

A team of faculty from medicine, nursing, public health, and social work established a common goal, developed a team process, created a team model, and developed community support networks to provide interdisciplinary education. Components included a course in culturally sensitive care, summer scholars practicum, and community-based projects. (SK)